When a Real Estate Agent May Not Be The Best OptionWritten by Chris Cates
Historically, when homeowners wanted to sell their home, first call made would be to a Realtor. Since early 1900’s, Realtors have represented homeowners during process of selling their home, which is usually to another homeowner. Real estate brokers hold state regulated licenses that allow them to market real estate on behalf of owner. The national average for broker commissions is approximately five percent. In many cases, another broker will bring buyer and receive typically fifty percent of commission. When majority of homeowners sell their home, they believe a real estate agent gives them best chance to maximize amount they receive and agent commission will come out of their proceeds at closing. This is a process that takes place everyday throughout America.Unfortunately, life does not always follow a predictable format that allows for sale of a home with a Realtor. More and more, Americans are facing circumstances that demand unique solutions. Foreclosures, job transfers, over-leveraged financing, and problem properties are just a few of situations that require alternatives to using a Realtor. When a homeowner is facing a job transfer or foreclosure, a quick sale is essential to avoid losing home or facing prospect of paying two mortgage payments. Utilizing a Realtor can take weeks or months to find buyer, and then there are no guarantees that buyer will qualify or go through with purchase. Many homeowners cannot afford to take that chance. Often times, when a house is in poor condition or needs major updating, traditional homebuyers are not as likely to make an offer since it is not up to market standards or may not qualify for financing. The majority of homeowners do not have time, desire, or money required to make necessary updates or repairs. A problem facing many Americans in recent years is that even when home is in great condition, there may be little or no equity. This problem will become even more of an issue in coming months as many homeowners over past several years have leveraged financing on their home up to as much as one hundred percent. When there is no money to pay a five or six percent commission, then an agent is not a viable solution.
| | The True and Magnificent Power of GivingWritten by Michael Lee
You've probably heard of popular saying "It's better to give than to receive." But do you actually know what hidden power lies within this magnanimous act known as "giving?"When you give something from your heart without expecting anything in return, you release a powerful force that will trigger your good deed to "bounce" back to you in amazing, and sometimes unusual ways. I firmly believe that whatever you impart to others will come back to you a hundred fold. You are doing yourself a big favor by helping someone in need. By doing even smallest acts of generosity, you are inviting good vibrations to come into your life. You would be earning respect and love of your recipients. You know that you will always have a loyal group of friends who would help, protect, and do anything for you just because they feel that they have to repay you in any way they can. Most people would have urge or drive to reciprocate any act of kindness you've shown them. However, this does not mean that you must expect them to repay you. Give without any expectation of rewards. Don't do it just because you have an ulterior motive. Give unconditionally. Give because you are happy doing it. The universe will get back to you in its own special way. Speaking of happiness, act of giving can summon spirit of joy to come into your heart. How would you feel when you've given something to your less fortunate neighbors? Let me tell you that nothing could brighten up my day more than hearing them express their most heartfelt gratitude and seeing their smiles extend from ear to ear.
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